IL167530A - Locking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM LOCK MECHANISM The present invention relates in general to a lock mechanism and a method of simultaneously locking/unlocking and activating/deactivating respectively an electric circuit. In particular the lock mechanism can be used to activate and deactivate an alarm system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Locks installed in doors, safes, drawers, valises, laptops, etc., can have different forms. There are conventional cylinder locks operated with varying types of keys, which are most common. Then there are mechanical code operated locks wherein push buttons with letters and/or numbers have to be pressed in a predetermined code sequence, and there are electronic locks that are operated with keys or magnetic strip cards. These locks operate so that when a key is turned, a code is punched or a magnetic card is inserted, a moveable latch associated with the lock is moved and in turn pushes a dead-bolt or bars into a socket(s) of a post or frame. Such locks generally serve only one purpose, to prevent access to unauthorized persons.

Automobile locks, on the other hand, are known to operate with keys and with remote control devices to activate a number of systems, such as multiple doors, lights, a display, an alarm system, and others. One such automobile locking system for vehicles is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,216,406. This system is quite complex and utilizes numerous switching contacts to achieve its purpose. Moreover, the lock mechanism operates by activating a micro-switch which is subject to wear and corrosion and is not always reliable.

There are also known electronic locks, such as the one disclosed in PCT Publication WO96/055552, that can interface with a number of remote sites, such as an alarm system, a surveillance camera or fire alarm. These also are operated by micro-switches.

Israel Patent No. 105083 published on 27.1 1.1995 provides an alarm system that is activated by an Opto Interrupter switch installed inside the alarm control box.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock mechanism commonly used in all types of doors, that has a dual function, of locking/unlocking and switching on/off an electric or electronic circuit in a novel and inventive way, that is reliable and can be retrofitted replacing similar conventional lock mechanisms.

Another object is to provide doors, safes, drawers, valises, laptops with a slightly modified conventional lock mechanisms that locks and with the same locking motion creates a switch to turn on an electric or electronic circuit.

Still another object of the present invention to provide a method of locking/ unlocking a door with a key, code or magnetic card and simultaneously creating a switch that turns on/off an electric or electronic circuit.

A particular object of the present invention to provide a slightly modified conventional lock mechanism that also activates an alarm system.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a modified conventional lock mechanism for locking/unlocking a door and at the same time creating a SHABBAT switch to activate/ deactivate a SHABBAT alarm system.

The lock mechanism of this invention can be substituted for conventional comparable locks, and because there are no additional moving parts the lock mechanism of this invention is exceptionally durable and reliable.

In accordance with this invention there is thus provided a lock mechanism for locking /unlocking doors and the like by means of a key, code or magnetic 167530/3 card, and simultaneously activating/deactivating a delayed action electric or electronic switch,said lock mechanism comprising a static member and a moving member wherein the locking and switching operation involves displacing the moving member with respect of the static member, characterized in that an Opto Interrupter is installed in either the static member or moving member and is connectable to a power source and an electric or electronic circuit, said Opto Interrupter comprising electrodes with a space between them and a pulsed light beam passing from one electrode to the other at a predetermined time interval defining a cycle, whereby displacing the moving member with respect of the static member blocks or unblocks the pulsed light beam from passing to the other electrode over a pre-designated number of cycles and closes or opens the electric or electronic circuit, and whereby turning the key, entering the code or swiping the magnetic card simultaneously locks /unlocks the lock mechanism and blocks or unblocks the light beam creating a delayed action Opto Interrupter switch that turns on or off an electric or electronic circuit respectively.

The Opto Interrupter can be inserted in the static member of the lock mechanism or the moving member depending on the type of lock.

More specifically, said lock mechanism comprises: a static member such as a housing, and a moving member associated with the static member such as a pin, cam, bolt or latch, whereby turning the key, punching the code or swiping the magnetic card moves the pin, cam, bolt or latch from a non-operative unlocked orientation to an operative locking orientation, and vice versa, characterized in that an Opto Interrupter, as defined, is inserted either on the static member or on the moving member, and an Optical Signal Blocking element is associated with either the moving member or the static member, respectively, G65404-V001 3 167530/4 said Opto Interrupter comprising oppositely disposed electrodes that send cycles of optical pulse signals from one electrode to the other, said electrodes having an air space between them, and said Optical Signal Blocking element capable of blocking at least part of the air space between the electrodes, thereby interrupting the optical signal for a predetermined number of cycles, whereby, when the lock is unlocked, the Optical Signal Blocking element does not block the air space between the electrodes, thus allowing the optical pulse signals to pass from one electrode to the other, and when the lock is locked by means of the key, code, or magnetic card, the Optical Signal Blocking element blocks the air space between the electrodes preventing the passage of the optical pulse signal from one electrode to the other, thereby activating an electric or electronic circuit In one embodiment of the invention, the static member includes a hole to allow passage of the optical pulse signal from one electrode to the other when the lock mechanism id unlocked, and the moving member comprises a blocking element that blocks the passage of the optical pulse signal when the lock mechanism is activated, i.e. is locked, thereby activating an electric or electronic circuit.

In another embodiment of the invention, the moving member includes a hole that aligns with the optical pulse signal of the Opto Interrupter so that the optical pulse can pass from one electrode to the other when the lock is in the inoperative unlocked orientation, and when the moving member is brought to a locking orientation by turning the key, the hole is blocked preventing the optical pulse signal from passing from one electrode to the other, thereby activating an electric or electronic circuit.

It should be understood that the reverse configuration is also possible.

The optical pulse signal is preferably an infrared pulsed beam.

G65 04-V001 4 The electric or electronic circuitry can be designed so that the Opto Interrupter switch works in reverse, i.e. when the optical pulse signal is interrupted the electric or electronic circuit is opened and when not interrupted the circuit is closed.

One advantage of the present invention is that the Opto Interrupter switch can be incorporated in either the static or moving member of any conventional lock mechanism whether mechanical or electronic, and does not involve introducing any additional moving parts. This is particularly advantageous in that the Opto Interrupter becomes a switch with the locking/unlocking operation without any friction which gives it a longer life and reliability without wear and tear.

The modified lock mechanism according to this invention can replace a · similar conventional lock mechanism, for example, in a house door, without having to change the door or door frame. The circuit wires leading from the Opto Interrupter to a control box, for example of an alarm system, can be drawn through a bore in the door or around the edge of the door.

This lock mechanism can be used to control one or more electric or electronic devises in addition to alarm systems, such as lights, surveillance cameras, fire alarms, electrical appliances, telephone, timers, etc.

In accordance with this invention it is possible to install more than one lock mechanism in a house, such as in front and back doors; Each locking element may operate independently, and/or activate different systems or devices.

The present invention is very suited for creating a SHABBAT lock-switch particularly suitable for activating a SHABBAT alarm system. Halacha ' (Jewish Law) forbids the activation or deactivation of any electric circuit on Shabbat or Holy Days. Orthodox Jews, who follow Halacha, are thus restricted on such days from directly using electrical devices. For most electric devices this limitation has been overcome by using preset timers to turn lights and other appliances on and off. However a serious problem arises when the members of a household leave their home unattended on Shabbat or Holy Days, to go to Synagogue or visit friends and they cannot turn on their alarm system, leaving the house prone to be burglarized or otherwise intruded upon. Another problem is at night, when everyone goes to sleep, and the alarm cannot be activated nor turned off on Shabbat and Holy Days. As it turns out, many burglaries in fact occur Saturday morning when the house is empty because the people are at services in the Synagogue. Apparently the burglars, in areas where many Orthodox Jews live, have become aware of this Shabbat limitation and are taking advantage of it.

One solution has been to use a preset timer for the alarm system. This however, demands strict adherence to the time schedule of the clock, which makes this option very inconvenient.

Alarm systems generally have features which must function all the time. For example, alarms on safes and distress buttons must continue to function even on Shabbat, whether the motion and entry sensors are activated or not. When the alarm system includes such features, it cannot be totally disconnected on Shabbat. Otherwise, these features would cease to function.

The aforementioned Israel Patent No. 105083 provides a SHABBAT alarm system in which an Opto Interrupter is installed in the control box. The Opto Interrupter sends a pulsed infrared beam every 7 seconds for less than 1 thousands of second from one end to the other. The beam and the interval, together, form one cycle within the SHABBAT alarm. As long as the beam reaches the other side, activation of the alarm is prevented. If the beam is prevented from reaching the other side for 3 cycles, then the alarm system is activated.

Practically, the SHABBAT alarm system works as follows: When the occupants are awake, and movement is expected (both within the house outside of the house), then only the sensors which detect such movement are turned off, while at the same time the features requiring constant monitoring continue to function. Following the activation of the alarm, the sensors are turned back on, protecting those areas which are to be protected on Shabbat. Thus it becomes very convenient to activate the alarm upon leaving the house by merely locking the door, and deactivating the alarm when returning and unlocking the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a lock mechanism of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the lock mechanism of Figure 1 along line A-A in the unlocked position.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the lock mechanism of Figure 1 along line A-A in the locked orientation.

Figure 4 is a partial schematic view of an Optical Signal Blocking element in one embodiment of the invention in the unlocked orientation. 167530/3 Figure 5 is a partial schematic view of the Optical Signal Blocking element of Figure 4 in the locked orientation.

Figure 6 is a partial schematic illustration of another embodiment of an Optical Signal Blocking element of the invention when in the unlocked orientation.

Figure 7 is a partial schematic view of the Optical Signal Blocking element of Figure 6 in the locked orientation.

Figure 8 shows atypical lock cylinder.

Figure 9 is a section of the lock cylinder of Figure 8 with an Opto interrupter in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 OA is an isometric view of an opto interrupter.

Figure 1 OB is a block diagram of an alarm system activated with a lock mechanism containing an opto interrupter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Refeiring now to Figures 1 to 3, there are shown schematic views of one embodiment of a lock mechanism1 of the invention. The lock mechanism comprises a static housing 12 and a moving cam 14 that is part of the lock mechanism, that can reciprocate, or pivot about pin 15 (See Figure 2). An Opto Interrupter (01) is mounted onto the housing 12. The (01) consists of a LED emitter 16 that transmits infrared pulses to a phototransistor detector 18. An air space 20 in the housing 12 provides a line of sight that allows the infrared pulses to pass from the emitter 16 to the detector 18. Wires 22 and 24 are connecting wires to the emitter 16 and wires 26 and 28 are connecting wires to the detector. When the lock mechanism is in the operating orientation, i.e. when it is locked, the cam 14 is pivoted so as to block the line of sight in the air space 20 (see Figure 3) thus preventing the infrared pulses to be detected. When the lock mechanism is in the unlocked orientation, as shown in Figure 2, the cam 1 is pivoted upward and the line of sight in the air space 20 is cleared for transmission and detection of the infrared pulse.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is illustrated in rough sketch form another embodiment of the invention. The latch 40 has attached to it an Optical Signal Blocking (OSB) element 42 in the form of a thin plate. An Opto Interrupter (OI) 44 having an air space 46, is shown freely but is actually mounted in the housing (not shown). The OI 44 is positioned so that the OSB element 42 is able to traverse the air space 46 and block the transmission of the infrared pulse from the emitter 48 to the detector 50. When the lock mechanism is in the unlocked orientation the latch 40 is retracted as in Figure 4 and the OSB element 42 is distanced from the OI 44 leaving a clear air space 46 for the transmission of the IR pulses.

In Figures 6 and 7 the OSB element is comprised of a latch 60 that advances and retracts across the OI 62. The latch 60 has a hole 64 which can align with the air space in the OI 62 allowing the IR pulses to be transmitted from the emitter 66 to the receiver 68.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the application of the invention in an embodiment of a lock cylinder 80. The cylinder 80 has a housing 82 and a drum 84 that can be rotated therein when a key is inserted and turned in the keyway 86. Spring tensioned pins 88 (only one is shown) inserted in bores 83 in the housing and drum traverse the shear line between them and prevent the drum from rotating. Pin 88 has a throughgoing hole 93 close to its upper end. A key having suitable cut out sections that align with the pins 88, when inserted in the keyway, pushes the pins 88 against the springs 90 clearing the shear line , enabling the drum to rotate and pivot the cam 91 which in turn moves a latch or bolt. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is inserted in the housing 82 an Opto Interrupter comprising a transmitter 94 and receiver 96 and electric wires 102, 104, 106, 108 connected to a power source and to an electric or electronic circuit. The transmitter 94 sends optical pulsed signals to the receiver 96. When a key is inserted into the cylinder 80, prior to turning it I to locking orientation, the shear line is freed and pin 88 is pushed below the shear line so that the hole 93 therein is aligned with the optical pulse signal allowing the signal to pass from transmitter 94 to receiver 96. This switches off the electric circuit. When the key is turned to a locking orientation the pin 88 is pushed by the spring 90 to traverse the shear line thus blocking the transmission of the optical pulse signal 98 thereby .witching on the electric or electronic circuit via the Opto Interrupter with the same turn of the key.

Fig. 10A shows an opto interrupter and Figure 10B is a block diagram of one possible application of the invention, such as with an alarm system. On the left side of Figure 10A the opto interrupter (A) is shown in perspective view, and on the right side of Figure 1 OA, in a schematic front view. Referring to Figure 10B, the block diagram shows a system wherein an opto interrupter input device (A) is employed to activate (136) or shut off (120) the system detectors. An unlimited number of inputs can be used in the system. The opto interrupter (A) consists of an IR light beam emitter (B) and a light beam transceiver (C) with an air space (101) between them. An oscillator (102) produces low voltage pulses generating an IR light beam (103) for the opto interrupter (A). The opto interrupter (A) can be either in an un-blocked state allowing the pulsed light beam (103) to pass from the emitter (B) to the transceiver (C), or in a blocked state where the air space (101) is blocked preventing the pulsed light beam (103) from passing to the transceiver (C).

When the opto interrupter (B) is in the un-blocked state the no-pulse detector (1 10) is inactive, and as a result the gate (112) causes the system to be neutralized, shutting off the current from the detectors (120). Shutting the current should be delayed by about 3 seconds after the conclusion of the neutralization process. As a result of the mechanical movement of the beam blocker (104) the air space (101) is blocked preventing the light beam (103) from reaching the transceiver (C) and the no-pulse detector (110) is turned on, which brings the gate (1 12) to initiate the system activation (1 14) process. To activate (1 14) the system, one switches on the power to the detectors (136) by operating the relay (130) and activates the system with or without a time delay (128), generally of about 90 seconds.

One problem that may be encountered with an alarm system activated by a lock mechanism of this invention is that if the lock is broken into or vandalized in another way the alarm can be turned off by merely moving the Optical Signal Blocking element and unblock the air space of the OI. To prevent this the lock mechanism can also have associated therewith sensors and that can detect any attempt at tampering with the lock other than by use of the proper key, and not disarm the alarm.

Other embodiments of this invention can be visualized from the description given hereinbefore and are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Le end for Fi ures 1QA and 10B 167530/3

Claims (33)

1. A lock mechanism for locking a door or the like, the lock mechanism comprising: an optical device including a light beam emitter and detector spaced apart with a line of sight path between them, the optical device operative to provide output indicating if a light beam emitted by the emitter is received by the detector, and a moving member operative to be displaced between a locked state position wherein the door is locked and an unlocked state position wherein the door is unlocked; wherein the moving member is operative to block the line of sight path while in the locked state position and to clear the line of site path while in the unlocked state position, and wherein the optical device is operative to activate an electronic device in response to output indicating that the light beam emitted by the emitter has not been received by the detector.

2. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the light beam is a pulsed light beam emitted at a pre-defined rate.

3. The lock mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the pre-defined rate is in the order of magnitude of once every seven seconds.

4. The lock mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the optical device is operative to activate the electronic device in response to output indicating that a predetermined number of pulses of the pulsed light beam have been blocked.

5. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the electronic device is activated with a delay.

6. The lock mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the delay is in the order of magnitude of 90 seconds. 167530/3

7. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1 -6, wherein activation of the electronic device is maintained until the output indicates that the light beam emitted by the emitter has been received by the detector.

8. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the optical device is operative to deactivate the electronic device in response to output indicating that the light beam emitted by the emitter has been received by the detector.

9. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the lock mechanism includes a static member and the optical device is installed in the static member of the lock mechanism.

10. The lock mechanism of claim 9, wherein the static member is a housing of the lock mechanism.

11. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the moving member is a pin.

12. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the moving member is a cam.

13. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the moving member is a bolt.

14. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the moving member is a latch.

15. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-1 1, wherein the moving member includes a hole and wherein the hole is aligned with the line of sight path of the optical device while the moving member is in the unlocked state position and is displaced from the line of sight path in the locked state position. 167530/3

16. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-1 1, wherein at least a portion of the moving member is positioned between the emitter and the detector in the lock state position.

17. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-16, where the light beam is an infrared beam.

18. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-17, wherein the electronic device is an alarm system.

19. The lock mechanism according to any of claims 1-18, wherein the electronic device is an alarm system and wherein the lock mechanism is operative as a Shabbat lock-switch to turn on the alarm system when the lock is locked and to turn off the alarm system when the lock is unlocked.

20. A method for activating an electronic device in conjunction with locking of a door or the like, the method comprising: providing a moving member operative to be displaced along a path between a locked state position wherein the door is locked and an unlocked state position wherein the door is unlocked; emitting a light beam across the locked state position across the path so that the light beam is blocked by the moving member positioned in the locked state position and is unblocked by the moving member positioned in the unlocked state; detecting the light beam when the light beam is not blocked by the moving member; activating the electronic device when the light beam is not detected.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the light beam is a pulsed light beam emitted at a pre-defined rate.

22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein the pre-defined rate is in the order of magnitude of once every seven seconds. 167530/3

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, comprising activating the electronic device in response to detecting that a pre-determined number of pulses of the pulsed light beam have been blocked.

24. The method according to any of claims 20-23, wherein the electronic device is activated with a delay.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the delay is in the order of magnitude of 90 seconds.

26. The method according to any of claims 20-25, comprising maintaining activation of the electronic device until the emitted light beam is detected to be unblocked.

27. The method according to any of claims 20-26, comprising deactivating the electronic device in response to detecting that the emitted light beam is detected.

28. The method according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the moving member is a pin.

29. The method according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the moving member is a cam.

30. The method according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the moving member is a bolt.

31. The method according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the moving member is a latch.

32. The method according to any of claims 20-28, where the light beam is an infrared beam. 167530/3

33. The method according to any of claims 20-32, wherein the electronic device is an alarm system and wherein the lock mechanism is operative as a Shabbat lock-switch to turn on the alarm system when the lock is locked and to turn off the alarm system when the lock is unlocked. Tina Bellomo Patent Attorney G.E. Ehrlich (1995) Ltd. 11 Menachem Begin Street 52 521 Ramat Gan